The first dogs bred by the kennel were Medium Podengos in smooth coat and rough coat varieties, however the maintenance of the two varieties was difficult, so they decided to breed only rough coated Podengos. the affix "de Veiros" was registered and he started registering the dogs already existing in the kennel and acquiring others. The year 1972 was the official start of the kennel when Henrique decided to organise the breeding of Podengos Altino was already using Podengos for hunting. The owners of "de Veiros" kennel are Altino Passadinhas, Henrique Passadinhas and Nuno Passadinhas, father, son and grandson respectively - three generations of Podengo breeders! An adaptable, happy dog, the Podengo thrives indoors or out, in heat or in snow and is equally at ease in all diverse circumstances. Today, the Podengo has succeeded in claiming its place in Portugal and in the world, thanks to numerous hunters and breeders.īreeding Podengos is a passion because they are intelligent, healthy, rustic, lively and friendly dogs. The maintenance of the ancient characteristics with no need of great changes proves that the Podengo perfectly fulfils the objectives of its owner thanks to its physical and moral qualities. The medium Podengo is among all the three sizes, the one where the genetic patrimony is more perfectly stabilized, allowing dogs that are constant in type, colour and temperament, within the guidelines described in the photos and books of the old times. The Medio, or medium-sized, is a popular dog used for rabbit hunting and appears on the logo of the Clube Português de Canicultura (Portuguese Kennel Club).
Within each type are two varieties: smooth-coated and wire-haired. There are three types of Podengo: Podengo Grande, Podengo Medio and Podengo Pequeno. The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient hunting breed whose origins can be traced back more than 5,000 years to northern Africa.